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Class Information

Math 8 is a demanding and exciting math
course that will prepare each student for high school mathematics. We will
spend the year focusing on the Common Core State Standards for eighth grade
mathematics. You can view a copy of the standards at http://bit.ly/1xZWjIH. We will master these standards by following
the Scope and Sequence provided by Redlands Unified School District. The main
topics covered in this class include: linear equations, functions, graphs, real
numbers, transformations, angles, exponents, volume, statistics, and
probability.

Instructional Materials

Our class does not use a
traditional textbook. We instead use a suite of tools from Carnegie Learning (http://bit.ly/1pV1gya) including paper-back texts that students write in
and interactive computer software.

Routines

This class will be
demanding and I expect every student to show up and be ready to work every day.
A typical week will feature three days of collaborative work from our texts
(Tues-Thu), a day of work with the computer software (Mon) and a test that will
cover material learned during the week as well as previous topics (Fri). The
purpose of the work with the texts and computer is for students to arrive
well-prepared for the assessment at the end of the week. Demonstration of
mastery is what we’re looking for from each student, and this mastery is their
responsibility.

Homework

Math homework is
assigned on a nightly basis Monday through Thursday. Our homework assignments
usually consist of several review or skill building exercises that reflect
concepts recently presented in class. It is of the utmost importance
that your son or daughter do their BEST job on all the work, asking for help
only after giving it their best independent effort first. It is essential that every
homework assignment be completed and ready on-time. Late assignments are
not accepted.

In addition to the
assignments Tuesday through Thursday, students are required to spend an
additional 30 minutes or more working with the MATHia software outside of
normal class time. This can be on a computer at home, a school computer lab
before or after school and/or during lunch, or any other computer available to
them.

As you know, math is a subject that builds on top of
itself. Missing a concept early in the year due to incomplete assignments or
not asking for help when needed can greatly impact one’s ability to
successfully move to the next concept. Please
help your son or daughter by checking their nightly homework, monitoring their
computer work, and regularly asking them questions about what they’re learning.
Often times when students begin struggling overall, it’s due to inconsistent
effort on homework. Homework effort and completion is typically the secret to a
successful year.

Students are
responsible for getting the work for any
days they miss.If
your child is absent, they can view the nightly homework on the class website.
Extra credit will be available throughout the year; however students should
never plan on extra credit to make-up
for missed or incomplete assignments.

Studying

Students should also spend approximately ten minutes per
night studying. Math 8 begins the transition to high school, when students will
be expected to discipline their own study habits and determine their own level
of comfort and proficiency with the material. The amount of time needed on
homework and on studying will vary from student to student.

Cheating

Cheating is never acceptable. Cheating on anything will
result in a zero.

Class
Supplies

Students should have the following in their backpack
every day for our math class: 3-ring
binder for text pages,2 #2 pencils, 2 pens (for
correcting/grading), 2 dry-erase markers (any color), calculator, and their Cope
agenda. Also helpful to have on
hand, but not required: highlighters,
colored pencils, ruler & protractor.

Class
Website

Our class website can
be found at math8escher.blogspot.com. It is updated daily and is the best
resource for students and parents for this class. I’d recommend
bookmarking it at home and checking in each day to see what’s been learned,
what links may be of benefit, and what helpful documents may have been posted.
The internet offers a wealth of knowledge for students and parents alike; I
highly recommend using the countless resources that are out there to enhance
this year’s educational experience.

Progress
Reports

You may log on to Cope’s “Parent Portal” (http://bit.ly/1tUGtS3) at
any time to find out how your son or daughter is doing in my class (and many of
their other classes as well). The parent portal is updated in real-time as
assignments and tests are graded. As parents are now able to view students'
grades online at any time, official Cope Progress Reports will only be sent
home for students with less than C grades. If you’ve not yet created a Parent
Portal account, setup information will be mailed home in the coming weeks.

Grading
Policy

The
grading policy is point based. Each assignment

will
be classified into a weighted category.

(Subject
to change)

Homework 15%

Class
Work 20%

Computer Work 25%

Tests 35%

Semester
Final Exam 5%

TOTAL POINTS 100%

Available
for Help

I will be in my classroom before and after school nearly
every day for additional help or questions. I am also available by appointment
at any time. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to come ask for help.

Classroom
Rules

In order to guarantee your child and all the students
the excellent educational climate they deserve, we will be utilizing the
following classroom rules and policies. We have gone over this information in
class and everyone will be held to these
expectations and consequences.

1)Respect the
classroom, the teacher, fellow students, and yourself

2)Complete
all assignments on time; come to
class prepared every day

3)Be
in your seat and prepared to work when the bell rings

4)Give
your best effort every day

5)No
gum, food, drinks, or electronic devices

Consequences

-Verbal Warning - Detention

-Call Home - Conference

-Referral - Suspension

Within this classroom, I will provide your student with
a structured, nurturing environment. Effective learning occurs when everyone
knows and understands the expectations. It is in your child’s best interest
that we work together. Please feel free to contact me at any time. I have
already discussed this plan with your child in class and would appreciate it if
you could also review it with him/her. Please sign the bottom portion and have
your child return it to me. If you have any questions please feel free to
contact me via email at natalie_escher@redlands.k12.ca.us or via phone at (909)
307-5420 x 42332.